Towards a "Natural" Narratology makes an intervention into ongoing debates in literary theory and criticism. Monika Fludernik argues for a new narrative theory which builds on insights from conversational narrative while touching on key issues for poststructuralists. Drawing on insights from cognitive linguistics, discourse analysis and structuralist narratology, the author examines narrative structures as they have developed from oral storytelling to the realist novel and beyond. This is a ground-breaking work of synthesis which makes a significant contribution to fundamental issues in literary theory. Fludernik's new model entails a radical reconceptualization of current narratological thinking, integrating narrative theory within a wide range of topical debates in literary studies.</P>